Play this Summer!

I hope you make LOTS of time for play this summer!  Try many types of activities: different board games, all sorts of card games, dice games, paper and pencil games, outdoor games, ball games, imaginative games.  While some games are "better" than others, they can all be of some value.  Some are great for fine motor skills, reading, math, spatial orientation, and building strategy.  In addition, following all types of directions and rules for different games better prepares them for understanding directions for something new.

Some games we've tried in school:
UNO
Spot It!
Chutes and Ladders
Chess
Checkers
Memory/ Concentration
Bingo
Blink
Trouble
jigsaw puzzles
crossword puzzles
word searches
word scrambles
Legos
mazes

Other great activities to try:
bike riding - work toward riding on two wheels!
hidden picture puzzles
"What's Different?" pictures
I Spy books
Zoobz/ K'nex
pop beads
journal writing (I sent home a blank journal for the summer.)
shoe tying
practice fastening (buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.)

In addition, there are a TON of great computer games and apps for smart phones/ tablets.  Your Lexia account will still be up and running this summer, too.  If you need the directions again, just let me know.  While I would limit a young child's screen time to 30-60 minutes a day, these games can keep their brains going to maximize learning retention.  Also consider art projects with coloring, cutting, and gluing to develop fine motor skills.